Landry Jones #12
College: University of Oklahoma
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Artesia, NM
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STV: How has Jesus Christ and His presence in your life changed the way you compete?
LJ: I have a sense of peace now. I’m not as anxious for games or worried about performance. I obviously want to perform at my highest level, but Christ has taken away that pressure. I don’t have to worry about what will happen if I don’t do well on the field; I know that my life is going to be blessed regardless of how I perform because I have faith in Him.
STV: Describe your attitude toward the game before you surrendered everything to the Lord.
LJ: Football was almost like my identity—like who I was. I wasn’t Landry Jones the son of God; I was Landry Jones the football player. I never had any peace because I was always worried about, “What if I don’t make this play? What if football doesn’t work out?” It was like an empty pit in my stomach. But now I have peace on the field because I know who I am in Christ and that I’m loved by Him regardless of what happens.
STV: How has Christ been the game-changer in your life overall?
LJ: I have purpose now. When you start living for Christ and following after Him, you end up doing the things you’re created to do. If I was playing football just for the sake of playing football, I would probably get burned out on it. But with Christ, even on the days when I’m feeling burned out or I don’t want to give my best effort, I work as if I’m working for the Lord. I know that He would want me to give my best that day. So, when it comes to life off the field, that same concept applies. I have purpose in everything because I do it all for Him. |
 STV: Based on your personal experience of pursuing a relationship with Christ, what advice would you give to others who want to experience Him as a game-changer?
LJ: One thing that has changed my walk drastically has been spending time with Him. It’s almost like with a friend or a dad. If you want to have a good relationship with that person, you have to spend time with them. When I started spending more time with Christ, I started learning more about His character—who He is, what’s He about, what He wants me to do—and then I started listening to Him and getting answers to some of life’s questions.
STV: The idea of just spending time with God can be intimidating. What are some ways that you engage God in your personal time with Him?
LJ: Sometimes it looks different, but usually my bread and butter is to worship for a while and just get my mind and heart prepared. Then I spend time thanking Him for different things, and then I’ll pray and ask for forgiveness for my sins. After that, I pray for my teammates, my fiancé, myself, and just feel out what I think God is asking me to pray for. After I’m done with that, I get into the Bible for a while and read and take notes.
Like I said, it looks different sometimes, but that’s my go-to, and it’s been great in helping me develop a relationship with Him.
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Barrett Jones #75
College: University of Alabama
Position: Offensive Line
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Memphis, TN
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“I try to use football to bring glory to God. He has put me in the position to share Christ with people who may not otherwise be interested in hearing about Him. I want to use this platform to share the gospel with as many as possible.”
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Hardie Buck #81
College: University of Alabama
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
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“Jesus Christ is everything to me. Because God has blessed me with the opportunity to play football, the least I can do is play with passion and give everything I have for Him.”
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Aaron Pflugrad #4
College: Arizona State University
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Missoula, MT
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“Football is a good thing, but it’s not the main thing; that’s my relationship with Jesus Christ. When you put Him first you are able to be the person God created you to be.”
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Marcus Washington #20
College: Arizona State University
Position: Running Back
Year: R-Fr.
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
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“Before I had a relationship with Christ, I felt like I was just playing football for me. Through developing a relationship with Him, I’ve realized that I’m playing for something greater.”
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Cameron Bryan #47
College: University of Arkansas
Position: Kicker
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
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“I keep my mind on Christ throughout the game. I play with an eternal perspective, which allows me to eliminate the expectations of others. Instead, I can compete on behalf of my Creator.”
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Mitch Smothers #65
College: University of Arkansas
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Fr.
Hometown: Springdale, AR
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“My relationship with Christ has taught me that I’m not playing for myself but for His glory. When people ask me about my success, I tell them that it’s not me; it’s Jesus.”
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Trent Fisher #31
College: Auburn University
Position: Defensive Back
Year: R-Fr.
Hometown: Nashville, TN
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“Every day, I’m living to see Christ’s Kingdom come on Earth and to see His will done. And those aren’t just fancy words; I’m all about it! The Lord uses football to teach me things I’m learning through Scripture. I’ll read about something in the Bible and then go out on the field and try to put it into practice.”
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Jeffrey Whitaker #54
College: Auburn University
Position: Defensive Line
Year: So.
Hometown: Warner Robins, GA
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“My ultimate goal is that, when someone asks about me, it will be more about my walk with Christ than about football. I’m still a work in progress, and my relationship with Christ is growing, but I like to use the phrase, ‘Don’t trip. He ain’t through with me yet.’”
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Terrance Ganaway #24
College: Baylor University
Position: Running Back
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: DeKalb, TX
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“When Jesus died, He left it all out there for us. That’s what I try to do in both football and life: be fully committed and leave it all out there for Him.”
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Lanear Sampson #3
College: Baylor University
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Mesquite, TX
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“I think having a relationship with Christ has changed my game more off the field than on. His presence in my life has helped me not only be a leader on the field, but also be a leader in life who spreads His Word.”
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Chris Potter #3
College: Boise State University
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Westlake Village, CA
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“First John 4:4 (KJV) says, ‘…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ Knowing that enables me to play at a level I couldn’t play at without Him.”
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Trey Burton #8
College: University of Florida
Position: Running Back
Year: So.
Hometown: Venice, FL
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“Jesus Christ has changed my game by helping me focus on who I’m playing for, why I’m playing, and why it’s important to give it my all. I believe God brought me here to use me to further His Kingdom.”
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Dustin Hopkins #18
College: Florida State University
Position: Kicker
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Houston, TX
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“Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. That means I can let go and just play knowing that His sovereign plan is going to be carried out according to what brings Him the most glory.”
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Vince Williams #11
College: Florida State University
Position: Linebacker
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Davenport, FL
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“There are many unpredictable events that take place in football, but I know that God is my Rock. He is the constant thing that never changes regardless of what happens on the field.”
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Case Keenum #7
College: University of Houston
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Abilene, TX
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“My faith has changed everything about my game. Football is third in my life behind faith and family, but I also don’t keep my faith separate from the different areas of my life. I believe God has given me my talent and that I should glorify Him by maximizing it.”
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David Hunter # 95
College: University of Houston
Position: Defensive Line
Year: Sr.
Hometown: Waller, TX
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“My relationship with Jesus Christ has impacted how I play the game in a tremendous way. When I step onto the field, I do everything for Him and His glory. I know that He has given me the ability to play football, and I feel like I am short-changing Him if I don’t give my all.”
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Brandon Boykin # 2
College: University of Georgia
Position: Cornerback
Year: Sr.
Hometown: Fayetteville, GA
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“God is the reason for my success on and off the field. I keep a prayer book that I’ve had since ninth grade, and I pray before every game and trust that God will guard me out there.”
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Ben Jones #61
College: University of Georgia
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Sr.
Hometown: Centreville, AL
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“I pray before I go onto the field, and before every game I say a prayer at midfield. I understand the need to put God first.”
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Shane Austin #10
College: University of Hawaii
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Camarillo, CA
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“I know that I can trust in Christ because His plan for me is greater than my own. I can play with a clear mind and leave it all up to Him.”
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Kawika Ornellas #10
College: University of Hawaii
Position: Cornerback
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Kapolei, HI
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“Jesus Christ is my Rock. He’s who I look to when I’m exhausted on the field and need just enough energy to get through another play. He was the ultimate game-changer—the One who gave His life on the cross for us all.”
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Nathan Scheelhaase #2
College:University of Illinois
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
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“Jesus Christ has completely changed the way I play the game. I know that I’m competing to glorify God. He’s given me the opportunity to compete, and I will do whatever I can to worship Him through it.”
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Craig Wilson #79
College: University of Illinois
Position: Defensive Line
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Harvey, IL
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“Having a relationship with Jesus Christ helps me take on anything. I know that through Him I can face whatever problems come my way.”
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Brian Adams #87
College: University of Kentucky
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Gainesville, GA
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“My faith in Christ allows me to not only play two sports in the SEC but also to be a better son, brother and young man in my community. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, which reminds me to trust Him with all my heart.”
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Trevino Woods #74
College: University of Kentucky
Position: Offensive Line
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Athens, GA
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“My relationship with Jesus encourages me to live out Colossians 3:17 and to do everything for His glory.”
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Craig Roh #88
College: University of Michigan
Position: Defensive End
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
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“God has given me football as a way of glorifying Him, and I know that my identity is in Christ. That truth helps me when things don’t turn out the way I think they should. I know I’m secure because my identity is in Him.”
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Kirk Cousins #8
College: Michigan State University
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Holland, MI
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“Having a relationship with Jesus Christ has made me first and foremost a better person. I’ve become a better leader, possess greater toughness and am more selfless as a result of following Him. These character qualities help me on the football field. My ability to trust God takes the pressure off my shoulders, and He hasn’t failed me yet.”
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Sam Watts #71
College: Mississippi State University
Position: Offensive Line
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Conyers, GA
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“My relationship with Christ has changed my game because I know I’m going out there to work my hardest for Him. He motivates me to be the best that I can be. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV) says, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…,’ and I try to do that every day.”
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Sterling Lucas #7
College: North Carolina State Univ.
Position: Linebacker
Year: Sr.
Hometown: Orangeburg, SC
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"My relationship with Jesus Christ is everything. Through Him, I’m able to approach every day with a positive attitude. When I’m tired or overwhelmed, I just think about the Lord’s favor in my life, and I get a burst of energy.”
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Asa Watson #82
College: North Carolina State Univ.
Position: Tight End
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Rock Hill, SC
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“Jesus provided the greatest example of perseverance, endurance and determination through His crucifixion. With that in mind, I can rejoice in my pain and exhaustion on the field knowing that He paid the ultimate sacrifice for me. I can worship Him by giving my all.”
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Rex Burkhead #22
College: University of Nebraska
Position: Running Back
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Plano, TX
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“My relationship with Jesus Christ allows me to play football with faith and confidence and to use the abilities He’s given me to bring Him glory. I take the field not just as an athlete, but as a follower of Christ who strives to play the game with a fearless attitude.”
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Tress Way #36
College: University of Oklahoma
Position: Punter
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
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“When you give your heart to the Lord, it changes who you are and everything you do. And when you have that relationship, it can make you a dangerous competitor because you’re playing for something bigger than yourself.”
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James Winchester #86
College: University of Oklahoma
Position: Snapper
Year: Sr.
Hometown: Washington, OK
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“Having a relationship with Jesus has, without a doubt, been a game-changer for me. It’s only by His grace that I’m able to play football. He helps me stay humble and thankful and to keep walking in a way that glorifies Him.”
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Brodrick Brown #19
College: Oklahoma State University
Position: Cornerback
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Houston, TX
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“I do this all for Jesus Christ. He’s the one who put me on this earth. He’s the one who gave me the ability to go out there and play, and I give all of the honor to Him.”
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Shaun Lewis #11
College: Oklahoma State University
Position: Linebacker
Year: So.
Hometown: Missouri City, TX
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“Jesus Christ has done everything for me and my game. He gives me the strength and ability to do what I do on the field.”
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Kenny Miles #31
College: University of South Carolina
Position: Running Back
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown:Lawrenceville, GA
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“Christ allows me to play with more confidence and a better attitude knowing that I play for an audience of One.”
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Marcus Lattimore #21
College: University of South Carolina
Position: Running Back
Year: So.
Hometown:Duncan, SC
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“Because of Christ, I now have a peace when I play because I know I’m playing for His glory instead of my own.”
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Austin Davis #12
College: Univ. of Southern Mississippi
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Meridian, MS
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“My relationship with Christ has helped me stay focused and play harder. It gives me motivation that I can’t get anywhere else. Knowing I am exemplifying Him in everything I do makes me less likely to slack off because I know I’m carrying His name.”
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Jonathan Guerry #12
College: Univ. of Southern Mississippi
Position: Offensive Line
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Columbus, MS
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“My relationship with Christ has changed my game because it has changed my attitude about it. I play with an understanding that there is a power higher than me, and that helps me be a better team player. When you’re playing for something bigger than yourself, it makes you a better teammate.”
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Stansly Maponga #90
College: Texas Christian University
Position: Defensive End
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Carrollton, TX
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“Through Christ, anything is possible. Every morning I wake up and say, ‘Today I’m going to get better both as a football player and as a person for You, Lord.’”
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Jeff Olson #62
College: Texas Christian University
Position: Offensive Line
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: McKinney, TX
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“My relationship with Christ has changed my game by allowing me to realize that I need to praise Him win or lose. It’s because of His love and mercy that I’m here at all, and I know He will continue to give me the tools I need to compete for His glory.”
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Tauren Poole #28
College: University of Tennessee
Position: Running Back
Year: Sr.
Hometown: Toccoa, GA
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“I’ve had many ups and downs in my years at Tennessee, but Jesus Christ has given me someone to depend on when it’s been tough. Romans 8:28 says that all things work for the good of those who love God, and that truth has helped me make it through each day.”
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Jamison Berryhill #41
College: University of Texas
Position: Fullback
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Odessa, TX
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“Ever since I started pursuing the Lord, I wake up every day and put Him first. I pray throughout games and practices, which helps me stay focused
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Caleb Russell #47
College: Texas A&M University
Position: Linebacker
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Midlothian, TX
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“When you walk with Christ, you have a peace that transcends all else. Last year, I lost my grandmother on a game day. I just gave it all to Jesus, prayed and felt a peace come over me that allowed me to play that day.”
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Ryan Tannehill #17
College: Texas A&M University
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Big Spring, TX
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“My favorite verse is Colossians 3:23, which says that we are to do everything for God and not men. That includes what we do both on and off the field.”
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Jacob Karam #3
College: Texas Tech University
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Friendswood, TX
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“My relationship with Christ has given me an advantage in life, especially on the football field. There can be a lot of pressure out there, but I remind myself that I play for an audience of One: Jesus Christ. Adversity is bound to occur, but I go back to 2 Corinthians 12:10, which says, ‘…For when I am weak, then I am strong.’”
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Mickey Okafor #74
College: Texas Tech University
Position: Offensive Line
Year: R-Sr.
Hometown: Houston, TX
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“Having a relationship with Jesus Christ gives me something to play for. I want to play my hardest knowing what He has done for me.”
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Robbie Boyer #49
College: Univ. of Southern California
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
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“My relationship with Christ has changed my game by giving me a higher reason to compete. Every time I take the field I try to make sure my heart is focused on working as hard as I can for Him (Colossians 3:23).”
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Brice Butler #19
College: Univ. of Southern California
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Norcross, GA
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“Jesus Christ is the ultimate game-changer. John 15:5 (NIV) makes it plain and simple: ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’”
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Will Hill #93
College: University of Virginia
Position: Defensive Line
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Williamsburg, Va.
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“Jesus Christ has given me confidence beyond reason. I know that, in every battle I face, I will come out victorious through Him.”
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Michael Rocco #16
College: University of Virginia
Position: Quarterback
Year: So.
Hometown: Lynchburg, Va.
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“I’m able to play football with the mindset that, win or lose, my identity is in Christ. I can step onto the field courageously knowing that I’m playing every play for an audience of One.”
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Logan Thomas #3
College: Virginia Tech
Position: Quarterback
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
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“Having a relationship with Jesus Christ has changed my game in the sense that I know I have someone to fall back on and who is always going to be there for me. Having Jesus in my life and having the support of our team chaplain, Johnny Shelton, is something special.”
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Martin Scales #25
College: Virginia Tech
Position: Fullback
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Martinsville, VA
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“Having a relationship with Jesus Christ has made my game more intense. I realize that God has blessed me with athletic ability, and I don’t want to waste the gifts He’s given me. I go out there and play my hardest on every play.”
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Matt Lindamood #38
College: West Virginia University
Position: Running Back
Year: R-Jr.
Hometown: Parkersburg, WV
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“My relationship with Jesus Christ has elevated my game by giving me purpose. I want to glorify Him in all that I do.”
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Paul Millard - #14
College: West Virginia University
Position: Quarterback
Year: Fr.
Hometown: Flower Mound, TX
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“Jesus Christ has changed my game because I know that with every movement, every action and every word I say on and off the field, I reflect Him to others. My relationship with Him has transformed my entire life, including the way I play football.”
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Jared Abbrederis #4
College: University of Wisconsin
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: R-So.
Hometown: Wautoma, WI
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“Having Christ gives me courage on the field. Regardless of what happens, I know He has a plan for everything. My dad taught me that I just have to do my best and let God do the rest. I can play for Him and not have to worry about what people think.”
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BRINGING IT HOME
How Christ can change your game.
Reading through the quotes from some of this season’s top college football players, you find a common theme. When asked how Jesus Christ has changed their game, many
of the players reveal that having Christ in their lives gives them purpose. Because they recognize that God has given them athletic ability, they realize that they can use their gridiron talents to bring Him glory and reveal Him to others. To them, football is about much more than a game; it’s about eternity.
Think about your own life and what you do on a daily basis. Do you believe that what you do has purpose, or do you feel like you are just going through the motions, caught in a never-ending meaningless routine?
If you are one of the millions stuck in the mundane, there’s great news! The same purpose that inspires these college football players to give their all on the field is the same one that can infuse meaning into everything you do and help you do it with passion.
Regardless of whether you can catch a football, hit a home run or sink a last-second, three-point jump shot, you were created by God and given certain gifts and talents to be used to reveal His power here on earth and bring His truth to others. In the process, you are also invited to engage in the most fulfilling relationship you can know: a relationship with your Creator.
This relationship is initially established when we turn to God’s Son, Jesus, and receive His free gift of eternal salvation, which He achieved for us by dying on a cross 2,000 years ago in order to pay the death penalty for our sins. Because God is entirely pure, our sins had created a gap between us and Him that could only be bridged by an atoning sacrifice. Through God’s mercy and love, He sent Jesus to be that sacrifice for us and to close the gap once and for all. The only thing we are responsible for is accepting His death in our place and receiving Christ as the Lord of our lives. By doing so, we will be reconciled to God and invited into the relationship with Him for which we were created. We can start living with an eternal purpose knowing that everything we do can bring Him glory and cultivate His Kingdom here on earth.
Today, if you long for meaning and purpose, know that you can find it in Jesus Christ. Turn to Him as your Savior and Lord and begin a relationship with Him. Call to Him in prayer and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, come into your heart, and become your Lord. It will be the best—and most important—decision you’ll ever make.
If you have questions or want more information, go to morethanwinning.org or call FCA’s National Support Center at 1-800-289-0909. |
--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.
Courtesy of Ty Russell/University of Oklahoma; Alabama Athletic Photography; Arizona State University Media Relations; Arkansas Athletic Media Relations; Todd Van Emst/Auburn University; Baylor Athletics; Boise State Sports Information; UF Communications; FSU Sports Information; Stephen Pinchback/UH Athletic Communications; UGA Sports Communications; Hawaii Athletics; Illinois Sports Information; UK Athletics and U-M Photo Services; MSU Athletic Communications; Mississippi State Media Relations; Peyton Williams; Nebraska Media Relations; Ty Russell/University of Oklahoma; Oklahoma State Media Relations; South Carolina Athletics and University of Southern Mississippi;TCU Athletics Media Relations; Tennessee Athletics; UT Athletics Photography; TAMU Athletics Department; Texas Tech University Athletics; USC Sports Information; Thomas Wilson/UVa Media Rela; Virginia Tech; WVU Photography and David Stluka; Wisconsin Athletic Communications |
